Batanes: The Scotland of Asia
Table of Contents
At the northernmost tip of the Philippines, closer to Taiwan than to Manila, lies Batanes – an archipelago so dramatically beautiful it's often called the "Scotland of Asia." With its rolling green hills, rugged coastlines, and centuries-old stone houses, Batanes feels like stepping into another world entirely.
Why Batanes?
Batanes is unlike anywhere else in the Philippines:
- Unique Landscape - Rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, boulder beaches
- Ivatan Culture - Ancient traditions still practiced today
- Stone Houses - Traditional architecture built to withstand typhoons
- Low Tourism - Protected by remoteness and weather
- Year-Round Cool Weather - Average 25-27°C
The Islands
Batanes consists of 10 islands, but only 3 are inhabited:
Batan Island (Main)
- Capital: Basco
- Most accessible, where the airport is located
- Home to most tourist attractions
Sabtang Island
- Famous for stone houses and villages
- Accessible by faluwa (traditional boat)
- The most "preserved" island
Itbayat Island
- Largest but least visited
- Requires sea travel (2-4 hours)
- For adventurous travelers only
Must-See Attractions
Batan Island
1. Vayang Rolling Hills
The iconic Batanes viewpoint with endless rolling grasslands meeting the sea.
Why Visit:
- Postcard-perfect scenery
- Sunrise and sunset views
- Grazing cows complete the scene
- Best during golden hour
2. Basco Lighthouse (Naidi Hills)
A functioning lighthouse offering 360-degree views of Batan Island.
Highlights:
- Panoramic ocean views
- Mt. Iraya in the background
- Best at sunrise
- Short walk from parking
3. Marlboro Country
Named after the cigarette ads – vast green hills and free-roaming cattle.
Experience:
- Wide open grasslands
- Dramatic cliff views
- Watch Ivatan cattle
- Minimal crowds
4. Valugan Boulder Beach
A unique beach covered with large boulders instead of sand.
Formation:
- Volcanic rocks from Mt. Iraya
- Shaped by centuries of waves
- Dramatic scenery
- Not for swimming, but stunning photos
5. Fundacion Pacita
A nature lodge and museum with the best view in Batanes.
What to Do:
- Lunch with a view
- Browse local art
- Stunning architecture
- Coffee on the terrace
Sabtang Island
1. Savidug Village
Home to preserved stone houses (sinadumparan) dating back generations.
See:
- Traditional Ivatan stone houses
- Cogon grass roofs
- Village life unchanged for centuries
2. Chavayan Village
Another heritage village with even more traditional homes.
Experience:
- Walk the stone-paved streets
- Photograph heritage houses
- Meet friendly locals
- Try local snacks
3. Chamantad-Tinyan Viewpoint
Dramatic cliff viewpoint overlooking Sabtang's coastline.
4. Morong Beach
A beautiful cove beach on Sabtang with rock formations.
Ivatan Culture
The Ivatans are the indigenous people of Batanes, with a unique culture shaped by their isolated environment.
Honesty Café
Batanes is famous for its "honesty stores" – unmanned shops where you take what you need and leave payment in a box. It speaks to the trust and integrity of Ivatan culture.
Traditional Houses
Sinadumparan (stone houses) features:
- Thick limestone walls
- Cogon grass roofing
- Low windows to resist typhoons
- Built without modern tools
Vakul
The iconic Ivatan headgear made from palm leaves, worn by women during farming.
Local Language
Ivatans speak Ivatan, distinct from other Filipino languages.
Getting There
By Air
- Manila to Basco: 1.5-2 hours
- Airlines: Philippine Airlines, Skyjet (limited)
- Frequency: 1-2 flights daily
- Book early – flights sell out weeks ahead
Costs:
- Regular fare: ₱6,000-10,000 one-way
- Promo fare: ₱3,000-4,000 (rare)
Weather Considerations
- Flights frequently cancelled due to weather
- Always have buffer days in your itinerary
- Rainy season (Jun-Nov) is especially risky
Getting Around
Tricycle Tour
Most common way to explore:
- North Batan Tour: ₱1,500-2,000
- South Batan Tour: ₱1,500-2,000
- Full Island: ₱2,500-3,000
Motorcycle Rental
- Price: ₱500-800/day
- License required
- Fuel available in Basco
Sabtang Day Tour
- Boat + Tour: ₱1,500-2,000/person
- Includes: Faluwa ride, villages, viewpoints
- Book through your hotel
Where to Stay
Budget (₱1,000-2,000/night)
- Shanedel's Inn
- Batanes Seaside Lodge
- Various homestays
Mid-Range (₱2,500-4,500/night)
- Fundacion Pacita (iconic!)
- Bernardo's Hotel
- Villa Honesty
Luxury (₱5,000+/night)
- Batanes Resort (limited rooms)
- Fundacion Pacita suites
Note: Accommodation is limited. Book at least 1-2 months ahead.
What to Eat
Traditional Dishes
- Uvud balls - Banana pith with flying fish
- Luñis - Cured pork
- Dibang - Flying fish cooked in coconut
- Venes - Preserved pork
Where to Eat
- Café du Tukon - Great views, local food
- Pension Ivatan - Home-cooked meals
- Octagon Bed & Dine - Comfort food
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Feb-May | Dry, calm | Best time, clearest skies |
| Jun-Aug | Monsoon season | Risky flights, green landscapes |
| Sep-Nov | Typhoon season | Not recommended |
| Dec-Jan | Cool, occasional rain | Fewer tourists |
Sample Itineraries
3 Days (Minimum)
Day 1:
- Arrive in Basco
- North Batan Tour: Vayang, Lighthouse, Valugan
Day 2:
- Sabtang Island day trip
- Villages, viewpoints, beach
Day 3:
- South Batan Tour: Marlboro, Racuh a Payaman
- Afternoon departure (or buffer day)
5 Days (Recommended)
Day 1: Arrive, rest, explore Basco town Day 2: North Batan comprehensive tour Day 3: South Batan tour + sunset Day 4: Sabtang full day Day 5: Buffer/departure (flexible for weather)
7 Days (Complete Experience)
Add: Itbayat Island expedition, multiple sunrise/sunset spots, cultural immersion, hiking Mt. Iraya (with permit)
Budget Breakdown
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (roundtrip) | ₱8,000 | ₱14,000 |
| Accommodation (4 nights) | ₱6,000 | ₱14,000 |
| Tours & transport | ₱4,000 | ₱5,000 |
| Food (4 days) | ₱2,000 | ₱4,000 |
| Fees & misc | ₱500 | ₱1,000 |
| Total | ₱20,500 | ₱38,000 |
Tips for Visitors
- Book flights early - Limited seats, sell out fast
- Add buffer days - Weather can delay flights
- Bring cash - No ATMs work reliably
- Pack layers - Cool weather, especially at night
- Respect the culture - Ask before photographing people
- Try the honesty café - And pay honestly!
- Inform airline of weather worries - They may rebook
- Buy travel insurance - Cancellations happen
Environmental Note
Batanes is a protected area. Please:
- Don't litter
- Stay on marked paths
- Don't take rocks or shells
- Support local businesses
- Leave only footprints
Final Thoughts
Batanes rewards those who make the journey. Yes, it's expensive to reach. Yes, flights get cancelled. But when you stand on those rolling hills, watching Ivatan cows graze against a backdrop of endless blue, you'll understand why people call this place magical. It's the Philippines at its most pristine – a reminder that some places are worth protecting.
Ready to experience the Scotland of Asia? Let Lakbay AI plan your Batanes adventure!